About Colorado Youth Ballet

Colorado Youth Ballet is the resident ballet company at Colorado Ballet Society.

It was founded in 2003 by Patricia Hoffman in response to the high level of achievement found in the Ballet Society studios.

Each year’s roster is comprised of 40-60 auditioned dancers from the age of 9-years-old, many of whom are planning for careers as professional dancers or will further their ambitions in college or university programs.

For its debut performance in 2004, the Youth Ballet performed with guest artist and former student of Ms. Hoffman’s, Stella Abrera, principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, and Sascha Radetsky at the Pikes Peak Center.

Youth Ballet repertoire includes:

La Barre
Paquita
Pas de Quatre
Coppelia
Balanchine's Valse Fantaisie
Cinderella
Swan Lake
Sleeping Beauty
The Firebird
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Don Quixote
Benjamin Britten's A Charm of Lullabies
Benjamin Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra

Each year the Youth Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Pikes Peak Center or the Ent Center for the Arts.

In past seasons, the Youth Ballet has performed with virtually every musical organization in the Pikes Peak region including:

the Colorado Springs Philharmonic
the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs
the Colorado Springs Chorale
Opera Theatre of the Rockies
the Colorado Springs Conservatory
the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony
the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale

The ensemble is also featured in yearly showcases presented by the Colorado Springs Dance Theatre.

The Youth Ballet holds annual auditions with Master Instructors for levels 3b-7.

Company members have weekly rehearsals in addition to their required classes.

Company involvement and fees are a commitment for the entire school year and require regular attendance.

To set up a private audition for Colorado Youth Ballet, call the Ballet Society Front Desk at: 719.272.7078

Colorado Youth Ballet assures that dancers with exceptional talent and potential receive the necessary experience to go on to professional careers.

Several members have been accepted into and awarded scholarships to summer programs of renowned ballet schools and dance programs of major universities.

Youth Ballet dancers have received top honors in state and national ballet competitions.

Audition

Dancers registered in levels 3b-7 may audition for the Youth Ballet
There are two audition opportunities (usually in June and August)
Dancers may be accepted into the Junior Company (Levels 3b-4b) or the Senior Company (Levels 5-7)
Dancers will be informed either way as to their acceptance into CYB
Casting commences with the results of the first audition
If you are planning on auditioning, but cannot make the first audition date, you should notify the Front Desk

Requirements

A $645 annual fee is due in three payments: $215 by September 1st, $215 by November 1st, and $215 by January 1st. If you withdraw from the company after rehearsals have started, a $75 recasting fee will be applied to your account.
The company fee covers the performance fee for A Colorado Nutcracker and Cinderella. The fee does not cover the Secondary Division Spring Concert or media fees for each performance.
There are no refunds given. If an exception is made due to unforeseen circumstances, a credit or refund may be approved and is only valid within the same season and cannot be transferred to a future season. Refunds that are distributed in the form of a check must be cashed within 30 days. If a check is not cashed within 30 days, it will be voided, and an alternative check will not be provided.
Weekly Company Class on Saturdays
Rehearsal calls are mandatory
- Saturday afternoons are typically scheduled for rehearsals, along with Tuesday evenings
- Occasional Sunday rehearsals may be required
- Schedules are posted and emailed
Each level, 3b-7, has a mandatory number of weekly classes to attend. Inquire at the Front Desk for detailed information
All company members are required to attend all Ballet Society sponsored master classes.
Training for four full weeks over the summer is required for all company members
- Summer training does not have to be completed at CBS
- The minimum level of summer training would consist of 6 hours per week for 4 weeks

Benefits

Dancers who participate in both CYB & CDC receive $100 OFF their total fees.
Ongoing dance education and enjoyment
- The company experience will enhance the training you are already receiving in class by stretching your growth tremendously through rehearsal preparation and performances as you continue to fulfill your potential as an artist.
No additional fee associated with performing in the Nutcracker
CYB members receive vouchers for 2 complimentary tickets with the purchase of at least 2 tickets for the Nutcracker and the April performance. Vouchers are available at the Front Desk when tickets go on sale.
Company members are often given a special discounted rate to CBS held master classes to assist you in taking advantage of the opportunity to work with exceptional dance artists.
Company members may take additional classes at the level below, on a space-available basis, at no additional charge.